Execute the Right Marketing Strategy for Your Business

 

With over four billion daily internet users and online sales into the trillions of dollars, the digital landscape can be a source of abundant growth for your business.

But it’s not enough to just have your business online.

I’ve known countless business owners who set up their social media accounts under the Field of Dreams mentality. Do you remember that movie? If not, here’s a recap.

A farmer (played by Kevin Costner) is tending to his crops when he hears a mysterious voice from the cornfield that says, “If you build it, he will come.” Long story short, he listens to the voice and builds a baseball diamond in the middle of his cornfield.

Eventually, this magical baseball field becomes populated by the spirits of great players who have come back to the land of the living just to play ball. Then, out of nowhere, people start coming in droves to watch these legends in action.

That’s the difference between movie magic and real life. In the movies, people seem to achieve success quickly and without much effort. We might see a short montage of trials and tribulations but within a few minutes the struggle is over, and the person is in the fast lane to victory.

However, the real world is much different.

17% of all small businesses that fail cite poor marketing strategy as their biggest problem.

– SmallBizTrends

Anybody can start a business. That doesn’t mean it’s going to be profitable. Likewise, anybody can create a social media profile or launch a website but that doesn’t mean that people are automatically going to follow your page or buy your products simply because your business exists online.

You can’t just set it and forget it, especially when you’re just starting out.

It’s going to take a serious commitment and concerted effort to capture the interest of your ideal customers and bring them into your sphere of influence.

The best way to do that is to develop and implement a targeted marketing strategy.

This is where I can help your business grow.

Picture of media logos for building social proof

Your Marketing Strategy Should Have a Firm Foundation for Growth

If you’re expecting people to pay for your services and products, then it’s up to you to show your audience that investing in your business would be an intelligent use of their time, attention, and hard-earned money.

Having a firm marketing strategy in place will help you communicate this idea without having to say those actual words. Your audience will come to this conclusion all on their own as they view and engage with your marketing activity.

One of the first things you’ll want to do is to get clear on your target audience.

  • Where does your audience spend their time?
  • What social media channels are they on?
  • Can you easily find and identify them?
  • What are their interests?
  • What do they consider to be most important or valuable?

There are so many social media platforms to choose from that it’s easy to get lost and confused when searching online.

You don’t need to be on every single platform. Unless you have a large marketing budget and can afford to have a team of people managing multiple accounts then it would be in your best interest to focus your attention and efforts on one specific channel. Master one platform before moving on to additional channels. Otherwise, you’ll spread yourself too thin and fail to make any significant impact.

19% of all failed businesses report they were simply outcompeted by others.

– CB Insights

Activate a Visible Engagement Strategy with Your Audience

There’s no greater misstep than when a business spends the time to develop a high-level marketing strategy but falls short of creating a supporting engagement strategy.

While the right marketing strategy builds brand awareness and explains how you can serve your target customers, it’s your engagement strategy that will foster communication and build a relationship.

The right engagement strategy tells your target customers that you truly care about them, their wants, and their needs. It shows that your words are supported by like actions. It proves that you are willing to have a dialogue with your customers and make their comments, questions, or concerns a priority.

However, a poor communication strategy will do exactly the opposite and could result in grave consequences for your business and its longevity.

Spend a few minutes each day responding to comments, answering questions, and building a relationship with your audience.

Don’t become fixated on the numbers. Focus on quality over quantity.

There are many entrepreneurs out there complaining that they don’t have enough followers on their social media channels. They want or expect thousands of followers while ignoring the hundreds of people that are already there.

If you can’t or are unwilling to speak to a small room of people, then you’ll never be able to communicate in a packed arena.

On an ending note, remember to be yourself. Authenticity goes a long way. Don’t mimic others. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Just be yourself when you engage with your audience online and in real life.

Develop and Deliver a High-Quality Content Marketing Strategy

The digital world is a great place to employ your content marketing efforts because there are countless mediums and channels to choose from.

Businesses that are limited by budget or know-how, will be happy to hear that you can find many well-respected platforms that are extremely affordable (or free!) and user-friendly.

A well-crafted content marketing strategy will help you establish your thought leadership on the subject and allow you to position yourself as a recognized and trusted expert.

Creating content is a powerful way to prove your skills. It’s one thing to say the words, “I’m an expert, and here’s what I do” but it’s quite another to deliver a premium piece of content to your ideal client that demonstrates your expertise right in front of them.

There are many ways to distribute your content. If you enjoy the written word, then perhaps blogging is your calling. If you enjoy being on camera, then consider putting together a vlog. If you enjoy speaking or love engaging in conversation with others, then maybe you’ll launch the next hit podcast!

If you’re just starting out and all of that seems a bit overwhelming, then simply focus on sharing your message on your favorite social media channel.

Choose the medium and channel that is best for your business and start sharing high-quality content with your audience.

Use the platform with the purpose of clearly communicating your message to your target audience. Otherwise, you’re wasting a valuable opportunity and likely blocking your own business growth.

If your business isn’t consistent with creating high-quality content, and you want to learn more about how I can help your business grow then let’s have a conversation.

I’m interested in discussing your business goals and want to learn more about the difference you want to make in the world.

Book a free consultation to discuss how I can add value to your marketing strategy.

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